What Do Yellow Jackets Look Like?
Yellow jackets are aggressive stinging insects commonly encountered in the summer and fall. They are black and yellow and about 1/2 inch long. Often mistaken for paper wasps, yellow jackets have shorter, thicker bodies with black antennae. They construct their large, basketball-sized paper nests by chewing up plant materials and soil. Yellow jackets are social insects that live in large colonies containing 3000 to 4000 members.
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What are the Signs of a Yellow Jacket Infestation?
Yellow jackets often build nests in residential yards. A clear sign of an infestation is spotting the nest. You will also notice workers flying around the nest and the surrounding area. Yards with numerous sheltered areas are at greater risk of an infestation. Common areas to find yellow jacket nests include lighting fixtures, trees, window frames, porches, playgrounds, and overhangs. Meats and sweets often attract yellow jackets. Open garage cans, pet food left outside, outdoor barbecues, and picnics will attract hungry yellow jackets.
Do Yellow Jackets Sting?
Yes, yellow jackets sting. They are very aggressive and protective of their nests. They will attack and sting anyone who invades their space. Yellow jackets have smooth stingers and can sting more than once. Stings are very painful and cause itching and swelling for up to 24 hours. Yellow jackets will often attack in large numbers, which increases the chances of multiple stings or a severe allergic reaction.
If you are stung, remove the stinger with a tweezer. Do not squeeze the stinger, as it can inject more venom. Next, ice the area. If you were stung on the arm or leg, keep it elevated. The sting will be painful, so take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lessen the pain. If difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat, nausea, fast pulse, dizziness, or loss of consciousness occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Yellow Jacket Nest Removal in Milwaukee, WI
If you discover a yellow jacket nest on your property, do not try to remove it yourself. Yellow jackets are highly protective of their nests and will sting you if provoked! Contact the pest control experts at Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control for safe and effective wasp nest removal. Our wasp exterminators offer reliable, long-lasting solutions to eliminate hornets and wasps from your home or business. Take advantage of our seasonal stinging pest treatments in spring and summer to keep your property pest-free all year round.